Holding the convention in Denver would help cement the party's recent political gains and “send a powerful message that the Democrats are ready to fight for a Democratic majority nationwide and for a new direction for America,” said the letter....The letter noted that since 2002, Democrats have won GOP-held governorships in Montana, Kansas, Wyoming, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. Last month, Democrats also picked up a Republican-held Senate seat in Montana and GOP-held House seats in Colorado and Arizona.

“In 2008, our presidential nominee will have, for the first time in many years, an excellent chance of winning several Western states, which would secure enough key Electoral College votes to restore our leadership in the White House,” the letter said. “In short, the West is the Democratic Party's new frontier.”...Signing the letter were Sens. Harry Reid of Nevada, the incoming Senate majority leader; Ken Salazar of Colorado; Max Baucus and Sen.-elect Jon Tester of Montana; Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico; Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad of North Dakota; Maria Cantwell of Washington; Tim Johnson of South Dakota; and Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

The full letter can be seen here. Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera responsed, saying:

“We've heard a wide variety of views from community leaders in both cities. We're fortunate to have two strong bids from two great American cities and we hope to have our decision by the end of the year."